Folding device and packaging machine having the folding device

Abstract

A folding device (16) for producing finished packages (2) from semi-finished packs (5), each semi-finished pack (5) comprising a central body (9) and at least one flap (10) projecting from the central body (9), the folding device (16) comprising a plurality of holding pockets (32) each configured to accommodate one semi-finished pack (5), a conveying device (33) configured to advance the holding pockets (32) along an endless path (R), and a flap folding device (70) configured to fold the at least one flap (10) towards the central body (9), The folding device (70) is movable between an idle position and a folded position and includes one flap folding element (72) configured to fold the flap (10) onto the central body (9), and an actuation group (73) configured to control the flap folding element (72) between the idle position and the folded position, and in the folded position, the actuation group (73) is configured to actuate both the linear movement of the flap folding element (72) and the angular movement of the flap folding element (72) about the axis of rotation (E) to move the flap folding element (72) between the idle position and the folded position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding device for folding semi-finished packs of pourable products, in particular pourable food products, into final packages of pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a packaging machine for packaging pourable products, in particular pourable food products, into final packages, the packaging machine comprising a folding device for folding semi-finished packs into the final packages. [Background technology]

[0003] As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made from sterilized packaging material.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped pourable food package known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminate packaging material. This packaging has a multi-layer structure consisting of a base layer of carton and / or paper, covered on both sides with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for long-life products, the packaging material includes a layer of oxygen barrier material, such as aluminum foil, which is laminated with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material, ultimately forming the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food.

[0005] This type of packaging is usually produced on fully automatic packaging machines.

[0006] Packaging machines are known that advance a web of packaging material through a sterilization device for sterilizing the web of packaging material and into an isolation chamber in which the sterilized web of packaging material is maintained and advanced. During the advancement of the packaging material web in the isolation chamber, the packaging material web is folded longitudinally and sealed to form a tube, which is then fed further along the (vertical) advance direction. To complete the forming operation, the tube is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, transversely sealed, and then cut along equally spaced transverse cross sections in a pack-forming unit of the packaging machine while advancing along the advance direction. Pillow packages are thus obtained. These pillow packages each define a sealed semi-finished pack having a central body and, resulting from the transverse sealing and cutting of the tube, two sealing fins protruding from each central body and a plurality of flaps protruding laterally from the central body. To obtain the final package, the pillow packages are further formed, and the sealing fins and flaps are folded and sealed to the respective central body.

[0007] Typical packaging machines of this type include: - a forming device configured to form semi-finished packs filled with pourable product; - a folding device configured to receive the semi-finished packs from the forming device and form a final package from the semi-finished packs; Equipped with.

[0008] A typical folding apparatus comprises an infeed conveyor configured to receive the semi-finished packs from the forming apparatus and feed the semi-finished packs to a folding unit of the folding apparatus, which is configured to fold the semi-finished packs into a final package.

[0009] Folding machines of the type are known which include a plurality of holding pockets configured to hold semi-finished packs and a conveying device configured to intermittently advance the holding pockets along an endless path past a receiving station where the semi-finished packs are fed into the holding pockets and a discharging station where the final packages are discharged.

[0010] The folding unit also includes a flap folding device disposed in a processing station interposed between the receiving station and the discharging station and configured to simultaneously fold the flaps onto the respective central bodies, thereby folding the sealing fins.

[0011] Furthermore, the folding unit also comprises a heat treatment device arranged in a heat treatment station interposed between the treatment station and the discharge station and configured to heat treat the flaps and / or a portion of the respective central bodies to seal the flaps to the respective central bodies.

[0012] Although known folding devices, and in particular known folding units, function satisfactorily, there is believed to be a need in the art for further improvements to known folding devices, and in particular known folding units. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved folding device.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging machine.

[0015] According to the present invention there is provided a folding device according to the independent claims.

[0016] Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to the present invention there is also provided a packaging machine as set forth in claim 15. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging machine having a folding device according to the invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of the transformation of a semi-finished pack into a final package, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 3] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the folding device of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view showing details of the folding device of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view showing details of the folding device of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 6a] 2A-2C are side views of a portion of the folding device of FIG. 1 in two different operating states, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 6b] 2A-2C are side views of a portion of the folding device of FIG. 1 in two different operating states, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 7] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a further portion of the folding device of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 8] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a flap folder of the folding device of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity; FIG. [Figure 9a] 9A-9C are enlarged views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of the flap folding device of FIG. 8 in different operating states. [Figure 9b]9A-9C are enlarged views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of the flap folding device of FIG. 8 in different operating states. [Figure 9c] 9A-9C are enlarged views, with parts removed for clarity, showing details of the flap folding device of FIG. 8 in different operating states. [Figure 10] 2 is another enlarged perspective view of the flap folder of the folding device of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing preferably sealed final packages 2 for pourable products, preferably pourable food products, such as pasteurized milk, fruit juices, wine, tomato sauce, yogurt, dairy drinks, yogurt drinks, emulsified drinks, pulpy drinks, salt, sugar, etc.

[0021] Preferably, the package 2 may be formed from a multi-layer packaging material. More preferably, the package 2 may be formed from a web of packaging material 3.

[0022] More specifically, the multi-layer packaging material, preferably the web of packaging material 3, may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene, sandwiching the layers of fibrous material between them. One of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material may define the inner surface of each of the final packaging bodies 2 that will ultimately contact the pourable product.

[0023] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the multilayer packaging material, preferably the web of packaging material 3, may comprise a layer of gas-barrier and light-barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, preferably disposed between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the multilayer packaging material, preferably the web of packaging material 3, may comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the layer of gas-barrier and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0024] More specifically, each final package body 2 may have, along its longitudinal axis, preferably a longitudinal seam portion (extending along its respective longitudinal axis) and a pair of lateral sealing fins, preferably a lateral upper sealing fin and a lateral lower sealing fin.

[0025] In particular, each final package 2 may have a substantially parallelepiped structure.

[0026] Furthermore, each final package body 2 may have at least a first end and a second end disposed on opposite sides of the final package body 2, and an intermediate portion interposed between the first and second ends. In particular, each first end may define a bottom of the respective final package 2, and each second end may define a top of the respective final package 2.

[0027] More particularly, each first end and each second end may comprise at least one respective lateral wall (transverse to the respective longitudinal axis of the respective final package 2).

[0028] Preferably, each intermediate portion may comprise and / or define a side wall extending between the respective lateral walls, for example formed by a plurality of interconnected side wall portions.

[0029] More specifically, the respective lateral walls of each first end may define a bottom wall, and the respective lateral walls of each second end may define a top wall. Preferably, the bottom wall has a support surface adapted to be placed on a (horizontal) plane, such as a shelf in the dispensing point, and the top wall may be opposite the bottom wall.

[0030] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each final package 2 may also include an opening device, such as a closure.

[0031] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each opening device may be applied to a respective multi-layer packaging material, in particular to a web of packaging material 3, or to a semi-finished pack 5, or to a final package 2.

[0032] Preferably, each opening device may be provided in a respective lateral wall defining a respective second end, preferably a respective top wall.

[0033] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, the packaging machine 1 may be configured to produce pourable product-filled (sealed) semi-finished packs 5, such as pillow packs, and to further process and / or manipulate and / or shape the semi-finished packs 5 to obtain final packages 2.

[0034] Referring particularly to Figure 2, each semi-finished pack 5 may extend along a respective longitudinal axis A and may preferably be provided with a longitudinal sealing band 6 (extending along and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis A).

[0035] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each semi-finished pack 5 may comprise at least one lateral sealing fin 8, preferably transverse to the longitudinal axis A, arranged at each end 7 of the respective semi-finished pack 5.

[0036] Preferably, each semi-finished pack 5 may comprise at least two transverse sealing fins 8 arranged at respective opposite ends 7 of each semi-finished pack 5, preferably transverse to the longitudinal axis A.

[0037] Furthermore, each sealing fin 8 may define a respective lateral sealing fin of a respective final package 2 (obtained from a respective semi-finished pack 5).

[0038] Preferably, each longitudinal seal band 6 may define a corresponding longitudinal seam portion of each final package 2 (obtained from each semi-finished pack 5).

[0039] Furthermore, each semi-finished pack 5 comprises a central body 9 from which one or more sealing fins 8 may project, preferably along a direction parallel to the respective longitudinal axis A.

[0040] In the particular case shown, each semi-finished pack 5 comprises two sealing fins 8, each of which projects from one end 7 opposite the other end 7.

[0041] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each end 7 may taper from the respective central body 9 to the respective sealing fin 8 .

[0042] Furthermore, each semi-finished pack 5 may be provided with one or more flaps 10 projecting away from the respective central body 9, preferably projecting laterally.

[0043] In particular, each flap 10 may carry a portion of a respective sealing fin 8 .

[0044] More particularly, at least one end 7 may include two flaps 10 extending laterally from opposite sides of a respective central body 9. Even more particularly, each end 7 may include at least two flaps 10.

[0045] More specifically, each semi-finished pack 5 may have a respective first end 11, a respective second end 12 opposite the respective first end 11, and an intermediate portion 13 interposed between the first end 11 and the second end 12.

[0046] Preferably, the first end portions 11, the second end portions 12 and the intermediate portions 13 form the first end portions, the second end portions and the intermediate portions of the final package body 2, respectively.

[0047] Each first end 11 and each second end 12 may be provided with one sealing fin 8 and a pair of flaps 10 respectively.

[0048] Furthermore, each first end 11 and each second end 12 may comprise one end 7 .

[0049] With particular reference to FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 comprises at least: - a forming device 15 configured to form and / or obtain semi-finished packs 5 of pourable products; and - a folding device 16 configured to receive the semi-finished packs 5 from the forming device 15 and to form the semi-finished packs 5 into final packages 2 for the pourable product; It may comprise:

[0050] More specifically, the molding device 15 includes: - Isolation chambers 17 configured to separate the inner (sterile) environment from the outer (hostile) environment; - a conveying device 18 configured to advance the web of packaging material 3 along a web advancement path P and to advance the tube 19 along a tube advancement path Q at least to a tube forming station where, in use, the web of packaging material 3 is formed into a tube 19; - a tube forming and sealing device 20 disposed at least partially within the isolated chamber 17 and configured to form and longitudinally seal the tube 19 at a tube forming station within the isolated chamber 17; - a filling device 21 for filling the tubes 19 with a pourable product; and a pack-forming unit adapted to form and transversely seal at least the tube 19 and preferably to transversely cut the tube 19 while advancing it along the tube advance path Q in order to obtain and / or produce the semi-finished packs 5; It may comprise:

[0051] In particular, each sealing fin 8 may result from a transverse seal and cut in the tube 19 .

[0052] Preferably, the pack forming unit may be located downstream of the isolation chamber 17 and the tube forming and sealing device 20 along the tube advance path Q.

[0053] Furthermore, the tube 19 may extend along a longitudinal axis, which preferably has a vertical direction.

[0054] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may further comprise a sterilisation device for sterilising at least a portion of the web of packaging material 3 at a sterilisation station arranged along the web advancement path P upstream of the tube forming station.

[0055] More particularly, the filling device 21 may comprise at least a filling pipe 22 which is in fluid communication with, or controllable to be in fluid communication with, a storage tank for the pourable product (not shown as it is well known) and which is partially positioned within the tube 19 to supply the pourable product to the advancing tube 19 in use.

[0056] More specifically, the tube forming and sealing apparatus 20 may comprise at least a tube forming assembly 23 configured to form a tube 19 from the web of packaging material 3, particularly by overlapping respective opposing lateral edges of the web of packaging material 3, and at least a sealing head 24 configured to seal the tube 19 longitudinally, particularly along the portion of the tube 19 obtained by overlapping the opposing lateral edges of the web of packaging material 3.

[0057] More specifically, a tube forming assembly 23 and a sealing head 24 may be disposed within the isolated chamber 17 .

[0058] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the pack-forming unit comprises: - a plurality of pairs of at least one manipulation assembly (not shown, as it is well known) and at least one counter-manipulation assembly (not shown, as it is well known); and a transport unit (not shown, as it is well known) configured to advance the manipulation assembly and each counter-manipulation assembly along a respective transport path; It may comprise:

[0059] More specifically, each manipulating assembly may be configured to cooperate with a respective counter-manipulating assembly of a respective set to form, transversely seal and preferably also transversely cut a tube 19 to obtain one respective semi-finished pack 5, in use, in particular as it advances along a respective manipulating portion of a respective conveying path.

[0060] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, the folding device 16 may comprise at least a folding unit 30 configured to obtain a final package 2 from each semi-finished pack 5 and preferably an in-feed conveyor 31 configured to advance the semi-finished packs 5 to the folding unit 30.

[0061] More specifically, the infeed conveyor 31 may be interposed between the folding unit 30 and the forming device 15 and configured to receive the semi-finished packs 5 from the forming device 15 and supply the semi-finished packs 5 to the folding unit 30.

[0062] With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 3-7, the folding apparatus 16, and in particular the folding unit 30, - a plurality of holding pockets 32 configured to receive one respective semi-finished pack 5 at a time; and a conveying device 33 configured to advance the holding pockets 32 along an endless path R, passing through a receiving station 34 at which each semi-finished pack 5 is fed into one respective holding pocket 32, and preferentially through a discharging station 35 at which each finished package 2 is discharged from its respective holding pocket 32; It may comprise:

[0063] More specifically, during use, each semi-finished pack 5 can be folded into each final package 2 while being held in each holding pocket 32 ​​and while each holding pocket 32 ​​is advanced between the receiving station 34 and the discharging station 35.

[0064] With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 3-7, each holding pocket 32 ​​may include a holding space defined by preferably at least two respective holding plates 37 of each holding pocket 32.

[0065] More specifically, one retaining plate 37 may be disposed upstream of the other retaining plate 37 along the endless path R. In other words, each retaining pocket 32 ​​may include a leading retaining plate 37 (with respect to the endless path R) and a trailing retaining plate 37 (with respect to the endless path R).

[0066] Preferably, but not necessarily, each holding plate 37 of each holding pocket 32 ​​may be configured to perform relative movement so that the holding plate 37 engages with each semi-finished pack 5 and each final package 2, e.g., to secure and / or shape each semi-finished pack 5 and each final package 2.

[0067] 1 and 3, the conveying apparatus 33 may be configured to advance the holding pockets 32 past a receiving station 34 where one semi-finished pack 5 at a time is fed into each holding pocket 32. Preferably, the conveying apparatus 33 may be configured to advance the holding pockets 32 through a discharging station 35 where the final packaging bodies 2 forming the semi-finished packs 5 are discharged from the holding pockets 32 while advancing within the holding pockets 32.

[0068] As described in more detail below, the transport device 33 may be configured to advance the holding pocket 32 ​​through one or more processing stations, which are interposed between the receiving station 34 and the discharging station 35.

[0069] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the conveying device 33 may be configured to advance the holding pockets 32 intermittently along an endless path R.

[0070] More particularly, the transport device 33 may comprise conveyor wheels 38 rotatable about respective axes of rotation B.

[0071] Furthermore, the conveying device 33 may comprise an actuation unit configured to actuate the rotation of the conveyor wheel 38 for advancing the holding pockets 32 along the endless path R.

[0072] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each holding pocket 32 ​​may be conveyed by a conveyor wheel. Preferably, the holding pockets 32 may be angularly spaced apart from one another about the axis of rotation B.

[0073] More specifically, each retaining plate 37 may project radially from the conveyor wheel 38 .

[0074] 1, each semi-finished pack 5 is supplied to a receiving station 34 by an infeed conveyor 31. At the receiving station 34, each semi-finished pack 5 is transferred from the infeed conveyor 31 into a respective holding pocket 32.

[0075] 1 and 3-7, each retention pocket 32 ​​may include a first terminal end 45 and a second terminal end 46 opposite the first terminal end 45. Preferably, each second terminal end 46 may be adjacent to and / or connected to a conveyor wheel 38.

[0076] Additionally, each retention pocket 32 ​​may include an open end disposed at a respective first terminal portion 45 .

[0077] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each semi-finished pack 5 can be positioned within its respective holding pocket 32 ​​such that its respective second end 12 is positioned adjacent to its respective second terminal 46 and its respective first end 11 is positioned adjacent to its respective first terminal 45.

[0078] Furthermore, each semi-finished pack 5 can be supplied to its respective holding pocket 32 ​​with its respective sealing fin 8 in the deployed position, i.e. with the sealing fin 8 protruding from its respective central body 9 .

[0079] In operation, the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, folds each sealing fin 8 from its respective deployed position to its respective folded position, in which each sealing fin 8 is folded onto its respective central body 9, preferably onto its respective second end 12.

[0080] 3-7, each retention pocket 32 ​​may include a respective fin folding device 48 configured to fold one respective sealing fin 8 at a time from a respective extended position to a respective folded position. Preferably, each fin folding device 48 may be configured to fold a respective sealing fin 8 disposed at a respective second terminal end 46.

[0081] Additionally, each fin folding device 48 may be configured to fold a respective sealing fin 8 protruding from a respective second end 12 .

[0082] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each fin fold device 48 may be disposed at and / or define a respective second terminal end 46 .

[0083] In particular, each semi-finished pack 5 is inserted into its respective retaining pocket 32 ​​such that, in use, each fin folding device 48 is configured to fold each sealing fin 8 disposed in its respective retaining pocket 32 ​​before the other sealing fins 8 of each semi-finished pack 5. Accordingly, in the following description, each sealing fin 8 that enters its respective retaining pocket 32 ​​first will be referred to as the leading sealing fin 8, and each sealing fin 8 that follows the leading sealing fin 8 will be referred to as the trailing sealing fin 8 (i.e., the trailing sealing fin 8 is the sealing fin opposite the leading sealing fin 8). Accordingly, each leading sealing fin 8 is disposed adjacent to its respective second end portion 46, and each trailing sealing fin 8 is disposed adjacent to its respective first end portion 45.

[0084] Additionally, each fin folding device 48 may be configured to fold a respective leading sealing fin 8 .

[0085] As will be further shown below, according to this non-limiting embodiment, the trailing sealing fin 8 is folded by a different mechanism than the fin folding device 48.

[0086] Advantageously, each fin folding device 48 comprises: a free space 49 for receiving each leading sealing fin 8 in its deployed position at the receiving station 34; and a folding element 50 movable between a rest position (see for example FIG. 6A ) in which the folding element 50 releases the free space 49 and an actuated position (see for example FIG. 6B ) in which the folding element 50 interacts with the respective leading sealing fin 8 in order to move the respective leading sealing fin 8 into the respective folded position so that the respective leading sealing fin 8 can enter the free space 49 without being moved from its deployed position and / or without colliding with any part of the respective retaining pocket 32, It may comprise:

[0087] This ensures that the respective leading sealing fin 8 entering the respective holding space is not subjected to undesirable mechanical shocks while each semi-finished pack 5 is being inserted into the respective holding pocket 32. Furthermore, this allows the semi-finished packs 5 to be handled gently.

[0088] Furthermore, the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, may further comprise an actuation unit 51 configured to set each folding element 50 to a respective rest position at the receiving station 34 and to move each folding element 50 from its respective rest position to its respective actuation position while advancing each holding pocket 32 ​​from the receiving station 34 along the endless path R.

[0089] Thus, only when each semi-finished pack 5 is placed in its respective retaining pocket 32 ​​does it begin to mechanically interact with its respective leading sealing fin 8 .

[0090] More specifically, each folding element 50 may be configured to release a respective free space 49 when in a respective rest position, in particular so that a respective leading sealing fin 8 can enter a respective free space 49 without interacting with any part of a respective retaining pocket 32.

[0091] Furthermore, each folding element 50 may be configured, when in its respective operating position, to close and / or occupy and / or fill its respective free space 49, in particular thereby interacting with its respective leading sealing fin 8 and folding the respective leading sealing fin 8 into its respective folded position.

[0092] More particularly, each folding element 50 may be angularly movable about a respective axis of rotation C such that it is movable between a respective rest position and a respective actuated position.

[0093] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each folding element 50 may include an interaction surface 52 configured to interact with a respective leading sealing fin 8, preferably configured to fold the respective leading sealing fin 8 from an unfolded position to a folded position when the folding element 50 is moved from a rest position to an actuated position during use.

[0094] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each folding element 50 may be configured such that, while the folding elements 50 move from their respective rest positions to their respective actuated positions, the folding elements 50 preferentially fold their respective leading sealing fins 8 in a forward direction, i.e., in the forward direction of their respective retaining pockets 32, by their respective interacting surfaces 52 engaging with their respective leading sealing fins 8.

[0095] This is particularly advantageous when providing the semi-finished pack 5 with an opening device. Indeed, the folded sealing fins 8, when folded along the direction opposite to the forward direction, reduce the space available for applying the opening device.

[0096] With particular reference to Figures 3 and 5, each holding pocket 32 ​​may also preferably be arranged at and / or partially define the respective second end portion 46 and may have an abutment surface 53 designed to receive and / or support an engaging portion of the respective central body 10, preferably the respective second end portion 12, of the respective semi-finished pack 5.

[0097] In particular, in use, a respective semi-finished pack 5 can be introduced into a respective holding pocket 32 ​​until the respective engagement portion abuts against the respective abutment surface 53 .

[0098] Preferably, each sealing fin 8 can protrude from its respective engagement portion into the free space 49 when the engagement portion is engaged with the respective abutment surface 53 and when each folding element 50 is in its respective rest position.

[0099] Advantageously, the actuation unit 51 may be configured to control each folding element 50 from a respective rest position to a respective working position, with the respective engagement portion abutting against the respective abutment surface 53 and the respective sealing fin 8 protruding into the free space 49, in use. In other words, the actuation unit 51 moves each folding element 50 from a respective rest position to a respective working position only after the respective engagement portion abuts against the respective abutment surface 53, in use.

[0100] This ensures that the semi-finished pack 5 is handled with the utmost care.

[0101] More particularly, each retention pocket 32 ​​may include a support structure 54 preferentially located at a respective second terminal end 46 and having a respective abutment surface 53 .

[0102] More specifically, each support structure 54 may be fixed to one respective carrier plate 37 , preferably to each subsequent carrier plate 37 .

[0103] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, each folding element 50 may be hinged to a respective support structure 54 such that each hinge axis defines a respective axis of rotation C.

[0104] Returning again to Figures 3 to 7, it should be noted that each interaction surface 52 may be aligned and inclined relative to each abutment surface 53 with each folding element 50 in its respective working and rest positions.

[0105] More specifically, each abutment surface 53 and each interaction surface 52 may lie substantially in a common plane with the respective folding element 50 in the operative position.

[0106] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, during use, after control of each folding element 50 from its respective rest position to its respective working position, each semi-finished pack 5, in particular each central body 10, more in particular each second end 12, may abut both the respective abutment surface 53 and the respective interaction surface 52.

[0107] With particular reference to Figures 3-6B, the actuation unit 51 may comprise a cam mechanism 60 that preferentially selectively moves each folding element 50 between a respective rest position and a respective actuation position.

[0108] Preferably, the cam mechanism 60 may include a cam profile 61 and a plurality of cam followers 62, each cam follower 62 being coupled to one of the folding elements 50.

[0109] Preferably, the cam profile 61 may be fixed relative to the advancing retaining pocket 32 ​​and / or the rotating conveyor wheel 38 .

[0110] Furthermore, in use, the cam followers 62 are arranged one after the other along the endless path R and move cyclically along the cam profile 61, preferably causing each folding element 50 to move cyclically between its respective rest position and its respective operating position.

[0111] More particularly, in use, the angular position of the cam follower 62 relative to the axis of rotation B may determine the position and / or movement of the folding element 50 .

[0112] More particularly, the cam mechanism 60 may comprise a plurality of coupling structures 63 , each carrying a respective cam follower 62 and each operably coupled to a respective folding element 50 .

[0113] More specifically, each connecting structure 63 may include a first arm 64 carrying a respective cam follower 62 and hinged to a respective support structure 54, and a second arm 65 hinged to the first arm 64 and carrying a respective folding element 50 in an angularly movable manner.

[0114] 5, each holding pocket 32 ​​may also include a seat 66 configured to receive an opening device of a respective semi-finished pack 5. Each seat 66 may be provided, for example, in the form of an opening provided in the respective support structure 54 and the respective folding element 50.

[0115] With particular reference to Figures 1, 3 and 8 to 10, the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, may comprise a flap folding device 70 configured to fold at least one flap 10, preferably two flaps 10 arranged on opposite sides of each central body 9, onto and / or towards each central body 9, in particular the respective intermediate portion 13.

[0116] In particular, the flap folding device 70 may be configured to fold the flap 10 at the second end 12 and / or the flap 10 associated with the leading seal fin 8 .

[0117] Just as there is a distinction between leading and trailing sealing fins 8, there is also a distinction between leading and trailing flaps 10.

[0118] In particular, the leading flap 10 is the flap 10 of each semi-finished pack 5 that is disposed in the respective retention pocket 32 ​​earlier than the other flaps 10. In other words, the leading flap 10 is the flap 10 that is disposed at the respective second terminal end 46.

[0119] More specifically, a leading flap 10 is associated with each leading sealing fin 8 .

[0120] Preferably, the flap folding device 70 may be configured to fold each of the flaps 10 after folding each of the sealing fins 8 .

[0121] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the flap folding device 70 may be configured to fold the leading flaps 10 onto and / or towards the respective central body 9, preferably the respective intermediate portion 13.

[0122] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the flap folding device 70 may be disposed at a flap folding station 71 interposed between the receiving station 34 and the discharging station 35. In other words, the flap folding device 70 may define a processing station of the folding device 16, preferably of the folding unit 30.

[0123] Preferably, the flap folder 70 may be stationary, i.e., the flap folder 70 does not move with the holding pockets 32 and / or the conveyor wheels 38 .

[0124] Preferably, the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, may comprise a single flap folding device 70.

[0125] The flap folding device 70 includes: one, preferably two folding elements 72, each movable between an idle position and a folded position, and configured to fold a respective flap 10 onto and / or towards a respective central body 9, preferably a respective intermediate portion 13; and an actuation group 73 configured to control each flap folding element 72 between a respective idle position and a respective folded position; It may comprise at least:

[0126] Preferably, the actuation group 73 may be configured to simultaneously move the two folding elements 72 between their respective idle positions and their respective folded positions.

[0127] More specifically, the folding elements 72 may be spaced apart from one another, with one folding element 72 configured to fold one flap 10 of each pair of flaps 10 and the other flap folding element 72 configured to fold the other flap 10 of each pair of flaps 10.

[0128] Advantageously, the actuation group 73 may be configured to actuate both linear and angular movement of each flap folding element 72 about its respective axis of rotation E to move the folding elements 72 between their respective idle positions and their respective folded positions (see, for example, the sequence of Figures 9A-9C).

[0129] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the actuation group 73, when controlling the flap folding elements 72 from their respective idle positions to their respective folded positions, - first, the linear movement of each flap folding element 72; and - then, after the initiation of the linear movement and preferably before the end, an angular movement of each flap folding element 72 about its respective axis of rotation E, The device may be configured to operate

[0130] In this way, a gentle folding of the flap 10 is ensured.

[0131] Furthermore, this configuration allows for having a flap folding device 70 that is effective and at the same time fairly compact.

[0132] The linear movement of each flap folding element 72 allows the flap folding element 72 to approach the flap 10, while the angular movement allows for precise control of the folding of the flap 10.

[0133] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the actuation group 73 may be configured to actuate linear movement of the folding elements 72 towards the flap 10 and also to actuate angular movement about the respective rotation axis E after actuation of the linear movement.

[0134] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each flap folding element 72 may include a respective engagement surface 74 configured to engage with a respective flap 10 in order to fold the respective flap 10 into and / or towards a respective central body 9, preferably a respective intermediate portion 13, in use.

[0135] Preferably, the respective normal axes N of each engagement surface 74 (i.e., axes perpendicular to the engagement surfaces 74) are substantially parallel to (e.g., see Figure 9A) and substantially perpendicular to (e.g., see Figure 9C) the respective longitudinal axes A of each semi-finished pack 5 when each flap folding element 72 is in its respective idle position and its respective folded position and each semi-finished pack 5 is in the folding station 71.

[0136] More particularly, each flap folding element 72 may include a respective folding plate 75 having a respective engagement surface 74 .

[0137] According to a particular embodiment, each folding plate 75 may have a substantially triangular shape.

[0138] With particular reference to Figures 8-10, the actuation group 73 may include a support structure 76, preferably a pair of support structures 76 spaced apart from one another.

[0139] Preferably, each flap folding element 72 may be hinged to a respective support structure 76 about a respective axis of rotation E.

[0140] More particularly, the actuation group 73 may comprise at least one linear rail 77, preferably two linear rails 77 spaced apart from one another.

[0141] Additionally, each support structure 76 may be movably coupled to a respective linear rail 77 .

[0142] Additionally, actuation group 73 may include actuation mechanisms 78 configured to linearly move each support structure 76 along a respective linear rail 77. As each support structure 76 moves linearly along a respective linear rail 77, each flap folding element 72 moves linearly in use.

[0143] Additionally, the actuation mechanism 78 may be configured to actuate angular movement of each flap folding element 72 about its respective axis of rotation E.

[0144] More specifically, the actuation mechanism 78 may include an axle 79 rotatable about a central axis F and one or more bars 80 coupled to the axle 79. Each bar 80 may be coupled to one respective support structure 76.

[0145] Preferably, each bar 80 may be connected to one support structure 76 .

[0146] Preferably, in use, rotation of axle 79 about central axis F actuates movement of each bar 80 and thereby actuates respective linear movement of each support structure 76 .

[0147] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, the actuation mechanism 78 may further comprise one or more shafts 81, each coupled to a respective flap folding element 72 and to the axle 79. Furthermore, during use, rotation of the axle 79 about the central axis F actuates movement of each shaft 81, thereby actuating angular movement of the respective flap folding element 72.

[0148] More specifically, each flap folding element 72 may be hinged to a respective support structure 76 at a first end 82, and each shaft 81 may be connected to a respective flap folding element 72 at a second end 83 opposite the respective first end 82.

[0149] More specifically, the actuation mechanism 78 may further include a connecting lever 84 connected to the axle 79 and extending perpendicularly therefrom, a connecting shaft 85 connected to the connecting lever 84 and disposed perpendicular to the connecting lever 84, and at least one connecting bar 86, preferably two connecting bars 86, connected to the connecting shaft 85 and disposed perpendicular to the connecting shaft 85. Preferably, each connecting bar 86 may be connected to a respective end of the connecting shaft 85.

[0150] Preferably, each bar 80 may be connected to a first end 88 of a respective connecting bar 86, and each shaft 81 may be connected to a second end 89 of a respective connecting bar 86 opposite the respective first end 88.

[0151] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, the actuation mechanism 78 may also include actuators 87 configured to control the angular movement of the axle 79 about the axis of rotation F.

[0152] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, may further comprise a sealing device, preferably having a heating unit, configured to seal the leading flaps 10 to the respective central bodies 9, preferably to the respective intermediate portions 13.

[0153] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, may further comprise a pressing device configured to press the leading flap 10 against the respective central body 9, preferably the respective intermediate portion 13, so as to contribute to the sealing action of the leading flap 10 against the respective central body 9, preferably the respective intermediate portion 13.

[0154] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 3, the folding device 16, and in particular the folding unit 30, may include an auxiliary folding group 90 configured to fold each trailing sealing fin 8 and each trailing flap 10 independently of the folding of each leading sealing fin 8 and each leading flap 10.

[0155] In particular, the auxiliary folding group 90 may be configured to fold each rear flap 10 onto its respective first end 11 , in particular onto the portion of the semi-finished pack 5 that will become the bottom wall of each final package 2 .

[0156] Furthermore, the folding device 16, in particular the folding unit 30, may comprise an auxiliary sealing device for sealing each trailing flap 10 to each central body 9, in particular to each first end 11 thereof.

[0157] In use, the packaging machine 1 forms a final package 2 filled with a pourable product.

[0158] In particular, the method for forming the package 2 comprises the following main steps: - forming the semi-finished pack 5 by operating the forming device 15; and - folding the semi-finished packs 5 into the final packages 2 by operating the folding device 16;

[0159] More specifically, the main steps of forming the pack 5 comprise at least the following steps: - advancing the web of packaging material 3 along the advance path P, in particular by actuation of the conveying device 18; - folding the web of packaging material 3 into a tube 19, in particular within the isolation chamber 17, by operation of the tube forming and sealing device 20, in particular the tube forming assembly 23; - longitudinal sealing of the tube 19, in particular in the isolation chamber 17, by actuation of the tube forming and sealing device 20, in particular the sealing head 24; - filling the tube 19 with pourable product by operating the filling device 21, in particular the filling pipe 22; - the tube 19 is advanced along the tube advance path Q by actuation of the conveying device 18 and / or the pack forming unit; and The pack forming unit operates to form, transversely seal and transversely cut the tube 19 while advancing the tube 19 along the tube advance path Q, thereby obtaining semi-finished packs 5 from the tube 19.

[0160] Additionally, the forming step may comprise sterilizing the web of packaging material 3 in a sterilization station.

[0161] More specifically, the step of folding the semi-finished pack 5 comprises the following sub-steps: - feeding the semi-finished packs 5 to the folding unit 30 by operating the infeed conveyor 31; and - The folding unit 30 is operated to finally fold the semi-finished pack 5.

[0162] More specifically, during the feeding substep, the semi-finished packs 5 can be fed into the respective holding pockets 32 at the receiving station 34. During feeding into the holding pockets 32, the respective leading sealing fins 8 are positioned in the respective free spaces 49, preferably at the same time that the respective engaging portions of the respective semi-finished packs 5 abut against the respective abutment surfaces 53.

[0163] Furthermore, during the final folding substep, the retaining pocket 32 ​​advances preferentially intermittently along the endless path R.

[0164] While advancing the retaining pocket 32, each fin folding device 48 folds each leading sealing fin 8 from its respective deployed position to its respective folded position by moving each folding element 50 from its respective rest position to its respective working position.

[0165] Preferably, control of the folding elements 50 from their respective rest positions to their respective working positions is driven by a cam mechanism 60 .

[0166] Thereafter, when each semi-finished pack 5 reaches the flap folding station 71, the flap folding device 70 is operated to fold the leading flap 10 onto and / or towards the respective central body 9, preferably the respective intermediate portion 13.

[0167] More specifically, the flap folding device 70 moves the flap folding elements 72 from their respective idle positions to their respective folded positions. Preferably, each folding element 72 moves linearly and angularly. More preferably, each folding element 72 begins its linear movement initially and then begins its angular movement during its linear movement.

[0168] In one embodiment, the leading flaps 10 are sealed to the respective central bodies 9 by a sealing device.

[0169] Furthermore, in the final folding sub-step, the trailing sealing fin 8 and the trailing flap 10 are also folded by the auxiliary folding group 90.

[0170] Additionally, an auxiliary sealing device seals the trailing flaps 10 to the respective central bodies 9, preferably at the respective first ends 11 thereof.

[0171] The advantages of the folding device 16, preferably the folding unit 30, according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description.

[0172] In particular, the flap folding device 70 can fold the flap 10 gently and accurately.

[0173] However, it will be apparent that changes may be made to the folding device 16 and / or packaging machine 1 described herein without departing from the protective envelope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A folding device (16) for producing final packages (2) from semi-finished packs (5) filled with a pourable product, each semi-finished pack (5) comprising a central body (9) and at least one flap (10) projecting from said central body (9), The folding device (16) includes at least: a plurality of holding pockets (32) configured to receive said semi-finished packs (5); a conveying device (33) configured to advance the holding pockets (32) along an endless path (R) and through a receiving station (34) where the semi-finished packs (5) are fed into one of the holding pockets (32); a flap folding device (70) configured to fold at least one flap (10) onto said central body (9); Equipped with The flap folding device (70) comprises: one flap folding element (72) movable between an idle position and a folded position and configured to fold said flaps (10) onto and / or towards said central body (9); an actuation group (73) configured to control the flap folding element (72) between the idle position and the folded position; Equipped with the actuation group (73) actuates both the linear movement of the flap folding element (72) and the angular movement of the flap folding element (72) about an axis of rotation (E) to move the flap folding element (72) between the idle position and the folded position; Folding device (16).

2. the conveying device (33) is configured to advance the holding pockets (32) through a receiving station (34) where the semi-finished packs (5) are fed into the holding pockets (32) and through a discharging station (35) where the finished packages (2) are discharged from the holding pockets (32); The flap folding device (70) is disposed in a flap folding station (71) interposed between the receiving station (34) and the discharging station (35). The folding device according to claim 1 .

3. the flap folding element (72) having an engagement surface (74); a normal axis (N) perpendicular to the engagement surface (74) is substantially parallel to and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the semi-finished pack (5) when the flap folding element (72) is in the idle position and in the folded position; 3. The folding device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the actuation group (73) is configured to actuate the folding element (72) to move linearly towards the flap (10) and, after actuation of the linear movement, to actuate an angular movement about an axis of rotation (E); The folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The flap folding element (72) comprises a folding plate (75) having an engagement surface (74) that engages with the flap (10) to fold the flap (10) onto the central body (9). The folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The folding plate (75) has a substantially triangular shape.

6. The folding device according to claim 5.

7. The working group (73) comprises a support structure (76), The flap folding element (72) is hinged to the support structure (76) about an axis of rotation (E); A folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The actuation group (73) includes a linear rail (77); The support structure (76) is movably coupled to the linear rail (77); The actuation group (73) further comprises an actuation mechanism (78) configured to linearly move the support structure (76) along the linear rail (77); The flap folding element (72) moves linearly in use, and the support structure (76) moves linearly along the linear rail (77).

8. The folding device according to claim 7.

9. The actuation mechanism (78) comprises an axle (79) rotatable about a central axis (F), and at least one bar (80) coupled to the axle (79) and the support structure (76); Angular movement of the axle (79) about the central axis (F) actuates movement of the at least one bar (80) and actuates linear movement of the support structure (76).

9. The folding device according to claim 8.

10. the actuation mechanism (78) further comprises a shaft (81) coupled to the flap folding element (72) and the axle (79); Angular movement of the axle (79) around the central axis (F) actuates movement of the shaft (81) and hence the angular movement of the flap folding element (72) around the axis of rotation (E). A folding device according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. the flap folding element (72) is hinged to the support structure (76) at a first end (82); The shaft (81) is connected to the flap folding element (72) at a second end (83) opposite the first end (82).

11. The folding device according to claim 10.

12. The actuation mechanism (78) further comprises a connecting lever (84) connected to the axle (79) and extending perpendicularly therefrom, a connecting shaft (85) connected to the connecting lever (84) and disposed perpendicular to the connecting lever (84), and a connecting bar (86) connected to the connecting shaft (85) and disposed perpendicular to the connecting shaft (85), The bar (80) is connected to a first end of the connecting bar (86), and the shaft (81) is connected to a second end of the connecting bar (86) opposite to the first end.

12. A folding device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The conveying device (33) intermittently advances the holding pocket (32) along the endless path (R). A folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. the conveying device (33) comprises a conveyor wheel (38) carrying the holding pockets (32) and rotatable about the rotation axis (B); A folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A packaging machine for producing final packages (2) of pourable products, comprising: a forming device (15) adapted to form said pourable product semi-finished pack (5); a folding device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for forming the final package (2) from the semi-finished pack (5); A packaging machine comprising at least:

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